Fleets, Trucks and Accessories

CNG Engine Powers Great Lakes Mixer

The new Terex FD5000 “Great Lakes” front discharge mixer truck on display at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2014, is the first Terex mixer truck powered by a compressed natural gas engine.

The new 12-liter Cummins ISX12G engine is available in 350-, 385- and 400-hp (261-, 287- and 298 kW) packages with respective torque settings of 1,450-, 1350- and 1450-ft-lb (1965-, 1830- and 1965 Nm), delivering comparable performance to diesel power package options for Terex mixer trucks.

The new Terex® FD5000 “Great Lakes” front discharge mixer truck on display at ConExpo-Con/Agg 2014, March 4-8 in Las Vegas, Nev., is the first Terex mixer truck powered by a compressed natural gas (CNG) engine. The new 12-liter Cummins ISX12G engine is available in 350-, 385- and 400-hp (261-, 287- and 298 kW) packages with respective torque settings of 1,450-, 1350- and 1450-ft-lb (1965-, 1830- and 1965 Nm), delivering comparable performance to diesel power package options for Terex mixer trucks.

“Previous 9-liter engines available on the market didn’t provide the power or torque required for our customers and their applications,” says Dave Rinas, director of sales and marketing for Terex Construction. “The 12-liter engines deliver the required performance and a substantial fuel cost savings benefit when compared to diesel engines. We already have several customer orders for the CNG trucks.”

Terex CNG trucks feature an integrated design approach, and the CNG engines are available for the entire line of standard and federal bridge formula front discharge mixers – from three to seven axles. The CNG engines can also be ordered as part of the Terex glider truck program. “Everything below the frame rail and forward of the rear pedestal is the same as on our diesel mixer trucks,” says Mike Johnson, design engineer for Terex. “The CNG system eliminates much of the complexity that goes along with 2013 EPA-compliant engines, while still reducing hydrocarbon emissions.”

The Terex design mounts one, 26- x 80-in (66- x 203-cm) Type-4 CNG tank to each side of the rear frame, providing a 75 diesel equivalent gallon (284 liter) capacity. The design delivers a lower center of gravity compared to other installations; reduces the number of required tanks, hoses and tank safety systems by 50%; and places all tank safety shut-off valves, fill ports and

service items at ground level. This unique mounting approach features a spherical bearing design that allows for tank length and diameter expansion/contraction when filling and compensates for frame flexing when driving in off-road conditions, unlike the rigid strap-mount of competitive tank designs.

The two-tank Terex CNG configuration reduces weight by up to 25% over other designs, which helps to improve payload capabilities. Up to 50% of internal steel was removed from the new engine cowling for CNG trucks – further reducing truck weight to improve payload capacity – while the design’s new ribs and contours add strength and style for this new integrated Terex look. Weight distribution between axles of CNG and traditional diesel-fueled mixer trucks are virtually identical, so reconfiguration of truck design to compensate for weight distribution is not necessary.

The Terex FD5000 “Great Lakes” CNG front discharge mixer enjoys the same design enhancements recently introduced on their diesel-powered truck counterparts. The steering system takes advantage of the front axle’s full wheel cut capability, reducing turn radius by up to 25% over previous designs. The air system features a 127 part-count reduction, resulting in fewer connections for less air leakage potential. The lift axles are now controlled by a single lift axle control module (LACM), which replaces four valves per axle, improving system servicing ease.

Inside the cab, taller drivers will benefit from an additional 8.5 in (21.6 cm) of floor space. A redesigned dashboard features logical positioning of gauges, including a traditional style fuel gauge, for improved operating efficiency. Brighter LED cabin lighting with door entry switch makes it easier to enter/exit the cab. Rear vents and louvers help to improve cab heating and make it easier to close the door. Accessing the cab is now easier, thanks to the stair rail handle and flexible hanging third step.